This homeschoolers life

 My family loves this salad! I have been making it for holiday gatherings for the past 7 years and the bowl is always empty on the way home, haha. This year was no exception, although we had a much smaller gathering it was requested and as usual the bowl was scraped clean;)  One of the great things about this salad is that it can be prepared ahead of time and will keep well in the fridge for a few days (*before the dressing is added to it) which makes it a snap to bring to a holiday gathering, potluck or take on a picnic. Ingredients: 1 container of mixed salad greens (I prefer O Organics mixed greens)  1-2 medium  ripe danjou pears  (sliced into thin slices) 1 avocado (sliced into slivers or thicker chunk size pieces) 1 cup dry roasted, sugared pecans  *Additional ingredients options: Dried Craisins or Dried Blueberries Fresh blueberries & strawberries in lieu of pears Feta cheese Slices of Chicken would be excellent in this as well to add some more p...

Over the years I've had many families ask what we are doing for our homeschool and how we afford so many field trips & have access to so many opportunities. Like many of you they have been curious to find out what my "secret" is and how they can have it to. It's not so much a secret as most homeschool families we know participate in one of these programs, but if you've been out of the loop & don't know what a DLP or a charter school dlp is, it can feel like a huge secret that you've been missing out on. But don't fret, there's no need to feel left out any more!  While you read this post my hope is that it will inform you & by the end you will be able to make a decision whether participating in a Charter is a good fit for your family or not. If it isn't, don't stress about it! They aren't a perfect fit for everyone, but in my experience it's been a huge blessing! :) Plus it is super simple to sign up and participate in th...

  If I had to choose one of my families most requested pies it would be this or my recipe for oreo pudding cake (recipe link coming soon! ;) )  My Hubby isn't a huge fan of chocolate (😲I know crazy right! ;) ), but he LOVES anything with oreo or cookies and cream so I came up with this super simple pie for him & it's a favorite every time I make it :)  Ingredients:  Oreo cookie pie crust (either purchase pre-made or crush oreo cookies with a ninja chopper or blender & mix with melted butter and press into pie plate to form the crust) 1 package oreo cookie and cream instant pudding mix (*also can use vanilla or white chocolate instant pudding mix, crush oreo cookies into a medium size chunks and mix into pudding before it sets) 1  1/2 cups milk 1 package cool whip or non dairy cool whip (I prefer Tru whip or coco-whip for a slight coconut flavor) 1 package of Oreo cookies (we like to use double stuff or mint for a minty pie *If we are going for a mint...

Hey there friends! All my pumpkin pie fans out there will love the rich creamy texture of this pie & the faint coconut flavor is a surprise twist for those who aren't regularly pumpkin pie fans. It's a slightly sweeter & creamier version that may just win over any pumpkin pie skeptics, lol ;)  This yummy pie was a huge hit today after our Thanksgiving meal & has already been requested for the next holiday ;)   Ingredients:  1/2 cup cold milk 1 package (6 serving size) vanillla instant pudding & pie filling 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger & 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves in place of pumpkin pie spice) 1 cup canned organic pumpkin 2 1/2 cups frozen non-dairy whipped topping, thawed (* I use coco-whip to add the slight coconut flavor 😊)  1 Keebler Ready Crust Graham Pie Crust Directions: In a large bowl beat milk, pudding mix and spice with wire whisk for 1 minute. (Mixture will be very thic...

 Hey there friends, Since it is Thanksgiving week I've been pondering the things that I'm grateful for even more, whether they are big or small. Today, I'm extra thankful for my beautiful family that I have the privilege of taking care of, that I could whip up a recipe using what I had on hand & that they can be the Guiney pigs for trying my new recipe's on haha ;)  I was flipping through recipes in my recipe box today and came across one that looked delicious but I realized I hadn't tried it before, so what better time to try it out than today right? Whelp, I got started on the recipe only to realize I didn't have half of the ingredients😅 Ooopsy!  So I did what any momma would do who doesn't want to waste ingredients or time lol and added in several ingredients that I thought would pair well with what the recipe called for and created a new version of this soup. The results: My hubby's new favorite soup! My kiddos also raved about it and the yummy ...

 Hi friends,  I want to tell you about this great math program I've discovered that's beneficial for both homeschool & public school students alike. If you have a kidddo that is struggling a bit in math, perhaps they have a bit of a love/hate relationship with the subject, struggle to grasp math concepts, finds some topics confusing or just plain out "doesn't like math", I think this program could be a perfect fit for them. With  A+ interactive math your kiddos have access to the math help they need & you have the key to a wonderful resource that will help you both achieve your math goals and give you some peace of mind knowing your kiddos are getting assistance that will help them thrive in math. They provide a multi sensory, all encompassing program that easily caters to children of all learning abilities & those with special needs as well by incorporating multiple learning styles. The owner/creator, Vinod spent years researching the best methods f...

  Hi Friends,  If you're looking for an easy, delicious dinner that your family will love try this meal: Taco Casserole & Harvest apple salad. It is one of our fall favorites because it's so filling and feels festive with  fall colors (red & yellow bell peppers ). Enjoy!🧡 Taco Casserole:  ◇Ingredients- Filling: ▪︎3 cooked chicken breasts, shredded ▪︎1 cup onion, chopped ▪︎1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper ▪︎1/2 cup chopped yellow bell pepper (*any bell peppers you have on hand are fine) ▪︎1/2 bag frozen corn (*or 1 11oz can whole kernel corn, drained) ▪︎1 (8oz) can organic tomato sauce (*or homemade sauce) ▪︎1 cup shredded cheese (*I prefer a mix of mozzarella & cheddar) ◇Ingredients- Topping: ▪︎1/2 cup pancake mix (*prefer Kodiak Cakes/waffle & pancake mix) ▪︎2/3 cup 2% milk ▪︎ 1 egg, slightly beaten ▪︎2 tsp.  Vegetable Oil (*prefer avocado or melted coconut oil) ◇Prep:  ▪︎Preheat oven 350° ▪︎Spray 9×9 or 8x8 glass baking dish with coconut o...

  Creamy Chicken Enchiladas: This yummy recipe for chicken enchiladas is sure to be a crowd pleaser and be a hit even with picky eaters! It is super easy and adaptable, you can whip it up in a snap while catering to your families health needs/preferences and individual tastes :)  What I love most is that I can prep multiple dishes all at once, one for tonight and one for later in the week or to pop in the freezer for a night I am short on time and but want to provide a homecooked meal for my family (double bonus🙌).  First start with gathering all your ingredients:  -Tortillas: Either store bought or homemade ( I love to use flat out brand, 5 grain fold it tortilla's (healthier version) or Mission whole wheat or flour tortillas (my kiddos prefer these as they are a bit softer and less chewy texture).  -Meat: Chicken (or any other meat could be substituted. *I also love to use ground elk or organic grass fed ground beef, both are equally delicious) -Rice: Basmati...

Hi Friends, A few weeks ago I was asked to participate in an interview about what brought me to homeschooling, my homeschool journey, & to share some tips and resources that have been beneficial for us as a homeschool family. I'm honored to have a featured spot on her "How We Homeschool" series that includes interviews of other homeschool families all over the USA and many countries around the world. Y ou can read her interview here:   https://www.vegaskidszone.com/adversity-and-action-create-opportunity-for-homeschool-family-in-oregon/ . When I began homeschooling my hope was to spend more time with my kiddos and to have more say in what they were learning; I never imagined it would become a lifestyle that would have such an impact on my family, and help shape and mold my children into the amazing young adults they are becoming. We are so grateful for all the opportunities that homeschooling has created for our family and how it continues to be the best fit for us.💖...

 Hi friends,  If you are looking for a yummy fall treat to bake for your family these pumpkin scones will be the perfect fit! This delicious recipe comes from my aunt J who is an incredible cook and loves to bake up yummy treats to share with family and friends. A few years ago I planned and hosted a surprise tea party for my grandmothers 85th birthday and of course a tea party wouldn't be complete without yummy food! My aunt happily baked up these amazing scones along with her exposition scones (recipe and more info about the tea party can be found on my instagram @thishomeschoolerslife.   ) for the party.  They are always a big hit & devoured quickly ;)  I knew I had to get her recipe to bake them with my kiddos  :)   Pumpkin Scones:  2 Cups Flour 7 Tablespoons Sugar 1 Tablespoon Baking Powder 1/2 teaspoon Salt 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon Cloves 1/4 teaspoon Ginger *Mix all the above ingredients & cut...

  Hi friends, This easy Devonshire Cream recipe is sure to be a hit that will delight your family while whisking you away to the English countryside, (even if it's only in your dreams ;) ). It pairs perfectly with these Pumpkin Scones:  https://thishomeschoolerslife.blogspot.com/2020/10/delicious-pumpkin-scones-recipe.html and these Exposition Scones (recipe found at #thishomeschoolerslife @ instagram and is a delicious topping for many breakfast/brunch dishes.  To make Devonshire Cream you will need:  8 ounces of full fat Cream Cheese 1 cup full fat Sour Cream 2 Tablespoons Cream 1  1/2 cups powdered sugar 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 2 teaspoons vanilla or 1  1/2 for more vanilla flavor *Beat cheese in a kitchen aid mixer or hand held mixer for 1-2 minutes & add in other ingredients one at a time. Stir in sugar gradually and beat for 3-5 minutes until whipped together well.  *Remove from Mixing bowl and place into a serving dish.  *If not se...

 Hello friends, This is a fall favorite (but it's delicious any time of the year) in our home. My kiddos and hubby often request this hearty soup because it has great flavors and keeps their bellies full :) I'm always happy to oblige & we usually have all the ingredients on hand and it is a breeze to make this recipe.  What you'll need:   I'd suggest using an instant pot as this recipe was designed to cook in one. However, it could easily cook in a crock pot or big pot on your stove with the necessary time adjustments ;)  *Instant Pot *1 cup chopped or shredded chicken (could substitute with any meat you prefer. This is also very delicious with some added bacon bits) * 1 bag of yellow potatoes chopped (or any potato you prefer) *1/2 of 1 sweet onion (I like to use sweet Walla Walla onions) * 1 red bell pepper diced * 1 orange bell pepper diced (yellow or green also works) * 2-3 medium carrots chopped * 2-3 stalks of celery chopped * 1 can (drained) sweet corn (or...

   Hello friends, One of the questions I've received most often over the past year is what is duel enrollment and how does it work. Ever since we decided our daughter would participate in the program we have had many questions from family and friends. Mainly out of intrigue and interest, but I’m sure some curiosity about what the program is and how it works ;)  As most of our friends and family know, our daughter began her first year as a duel enrolled student at the beginning of this school year. She is both a junior in high school & enrolled as a freshmen at our local community college. The program she is enrolled in allows her to simultaneously earn both her high school credits and a years worth of college credits while she completes prerequisites at the community college. Depending on your child's interests and level of commitment to the program it is possible for a student that is enrolled to graduate high school & receive an AA degree at the same time. ...